ECO-FRIENDLY SWISS RAIL ON SALE
THE BUY Rail Europe is offering the Switzerland Family Rail sale.
THE SAVINGS Adults receive a 50-per-cent discount on the Swiss Pass (eight day) and the Swiss Flexi Pass (three day). Children under 16 travel for free when accompanied by an adult. With the sale, prices on the eight-day Swiss Pass start at $303 for first class and $203 for second class. Prices for the three-day Swiss Flexi Pass start at $202 for first class and $135 for second class.
THE CATCH Bookings must be made April 21 to 27 for travel within six months.
WHY IT'S WORTH IT The Swiss Pass allows unlimited travel on all the Swiss Travel System, plus free access to more than 400 museums. It's also environmentally friendly: Swiss trains run on nuclear (24 per cent) and hydroelectric power (76 per cent) only. Swiss Federal Railways has also committed to reducing electric-power consumption by 10 per cent by 2015 and reducing the output of carbon dioxide by 30 per cent by 2020.
BOOK IT Visit www.raileurope.ca from April 21.
DISCOUNTS FOR VOLUNTEER TOURISM
THE BUY Gap Adventures is offering discounts to those who sign up for its volunteer adventures, designed to give back to the communities and regions the operator visits on its tours.
THE SAVINGS 10 per cent.
THE CATCH You have to book by April 30.
WHY IT'S WORTH IT By volunteering, you get the benefits of even greater cultural immersion, more time in the community and the ability to take a hands-on approach to bringing about positive changes. During a 13-day trip to El Salvador, for example, you spend three days volunteering with children and members of the Los Pinos Coffee Co-operative assisting with building projects, helping on the coffee farm as well as learning about the development of ecotourism on the property.
BOOK IT You can view the list of “voluntours” at www.gapadventures.com/trips/style/volunteer.
FREE NIGHTS NEAR A JAGUAR RESERVE
THE BUY Launched to coincide with Earth Day, Kanantik Reef and Jungle Resort, an eco-sensitive vacation spot on the southern coast of Belize, is offering free nights to those who book four- or seven-night stays.
THE SAVINGS Those who book a seven-night stay will pay for five nights and those booking a four-night stay pay for three nights. The “cabana only” rate is $342 per room per night and includes taxes and service charges.
THE CATCH The rates are valid until June 30.
WHY IT'S WORTH IT Kanantik is located near the 150,000-acre Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the world's first jaguar preserve. The resort's two observation towers provide a chance to spot jaguars, coatis, crocodiles, parrots and toucans. Excursions include guide-led hikes to waterfalls in the preserve. At the resort, four-poster beds, chairs, tables and thatched roofing incorporate natural materials from the surrounding area and are crafted by locals.
BOOK IT Visit www.kanantik.com or call 1-877-759-8834.
WILDCAT CONSERVATION IN COSTA RICA
THE BUY Costa Rica was one of the first countries to embrace ecotourism; Lapa Rios Rainforest Ecolodge is offering a special package where guests can play a hands-on role in the conservation of big cats.
THE SAVINGS Rates for the Wildcat Research and Conservation Experience 2010 package are $499 per person per night (single occupancy) and $355 per person per night (double occupancy), including three meals a day. Those booking a four-night stay get an extra night and three meals free.
THE CATCH This offer is available in May.
WHY IT'S WORTH IT Visitors can work directly with local wildcat researchers in their efforts to conserve jaguars, pumas and other animals. This includes setting up and checking cameras to monitor their movement, tracking and collecting footprints, learning how to conduct an analysis of the animals' rain forest diet and presenting research findings to local schools and community groups.
BOOK IT Visit www.laparios.com.
Patrick Dineen
Special to The Globe and Mail
